For children, birthdays are a big deal. There are candles, photos, a song, and the moment when the day feels like it belongs to them. But for some families, even a birthday cake can be hard to provide. A parent may be dealing with illness, work demands, household expenses or a difficult season. A child may be in foster care, living with grandparents or in a home where the adults are doing their best but stretched thin.
That is where Wish Upon a Cake comes in.
The program, part of Highways of Hope Florida, provides birthday cakes for children ages 3 to 13 whose families may be facing financial hardship or other difficult circumstances. Through a network of volunteer bakers, bakery partners, donations and sponsorships, Wish Upon a Cake works to make sure children have something special to celebrate on their birthday.
“Our goal is simply to help make sure a child has something special to celebrate on their birthday,” founder Lisa Poirier said.
The idea for Highways of Hope Florida began during the record-breaking Powerball drawings, when Poirier and her daughter talked about all the ways they could help their community if they ever won. They did not win the lottery, but Poirier said the conversation stayed with her. “I realized we didn’t have to wait to start making a difference,” she said. “That dream became Highways of Hope Florida.”
Highways of Hope Florida is based in Lake Wales, and Poirier said Wish Upon a Cake is working to serve families throughout Highlands County, including Lake Placid, as volunteer bakers become available in those areas.
Some cakes are donated by volunteer home bakers. Others may be purchased from local bakeries when a volunteer is not available. Poirier said a professionally decorated birthday cake usually costs between $25 and $50. Poirier said the program focuses on children ages 3 through 13 because younger children often depend on parents or caregivers to make birthdays feel special, and the organization wanted to focus its available resources where they could have the greatest impact.
For parents or caregivers who may feel uncomfortable asking for help, Poirier said the program is meant to offer support with dignity. “Everyone needs a helping hand at some point in life, and there is no shame in asking for help,” she said. “We want families to know they are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.”
Families can apply here: Wish Upon a Cake Application. Applications are reviewed based on program guidelines and volunteer availability in the family’s area.
Highways of Hope Florida is currently looking for volunteer home bakers, bakery partners, grocery store bakery partners, donors and community supporters as Wish Upon a Cake grows. People who want to donate, volunteer or learn more can visit www.highwaysofhopefl.org, follow Highways of Hope Florida on Facebook or email Lisa@highwaysofhopefl.org.
